Adaptive co-management as an approach to tourism destination governance – a case of protected areas in Bangladesh

Adaptive co-management (ACM) emerges as a promising approach to enhance tourism destination governance in protected areas, particularly in developing countries. This study demonstrates that ACM can facilitate iterative learning among diverse stakeholders, leading to attitude and behavior changes that support protected area conservation. By integrating four interconnected principles—communication and collaboration, social learning, shared rights and responsibility, and building adaptive capacity and resilience—the research shows how ACM fosters a congenial environment for stakeholder engagement. Empirical findings from two Bangladesh protected areas highlight the importance of social learning in creating new knowledge, raising awareness, and empowering local communities. This approach not only strengthens governance systems but also contributes to sustainable tourism development and effective conservation management.

Islam, M. W. Adaptive co-management as an approach to tourism destination governance – a case of protected areas in Bangladesh. https://doi.org/10.14264/uql.2018.208